casa de huéspedes
Lemma Details
Translation: guesthouse; boarding house; lodging house
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Compound noun from 'casa' (house, from Latin 'casa' meaning hut or cottage) and 'huésped' (guest, from Latin 'hospes' meaning host or guest) with the preposition 'de' (of). The term literally means 'house of guests'. The English cognate 'hospice' and 'hospital' share the same Latin root as 'huésped', all relating to hospitality and accommodation.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Nos alojamos en una casa de huéspedes cerca de la playa.
We stayed in a guesthouse near the beach.
La casa de huéspedes ofrece desayuno incluido en el precio.
The boarding house offers breakfast included in the price.
Prefiero las casas de huéspedes porque son más económicas que los hoteles.
I prefer guesthouses because they are more economical than hotels.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'casa' as 'house' and 'huéspedes' as 'guests' - literally a 'house for guests'
- Connect 'huéspedes' with the English word 'hospitable' - both share the same Latin root
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'casas de huéspedes' are often family-run establishments offering affordable accommodation with a more personal touch than hotels. They're particularly common in tourist areas and university towns. In some regions, they may offer meals (especially breakfast) as part of the service.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'casa de huéspedes' is a commercial establishment where people pay to stay, 'casa de invitados' refers to a guest house on private property for hosting friends and family without payment.
Confused word:
Mis padres duermen en la casa de invitados cuando nos visitan.
My parents sleep in the guest house when they visit us.
Notes: The distinction is similar to the English difference between a commercial 'guesthouse' and a private 'guest house' on someone's property.
Mnemonic: 'Huéspedes' implies paying guests, while 'invitados' suggests invited guests who don't pay.
Explanation: A 'casa de huéspedes' is typically smaller, more personal, and less formal than a 'hotel', often family-run with fewer amenities but a more homely atmosphere.
Confused word:
El hotel tiene servicio de habitaciones y un gimnasio.
The hotel has room service and a gym.
Notes: Casas de huéspedes often have shared bathrooms and common areas, while hotels typically offer more private facilities.
Mnemonic: Think 'casa' (house) for smaller, more intimate accommodation versus 'hotel' for larger, more commercial lodging.